Traffic Police seen somewhere counting money in Juba street. (Photo: File/Courtesy).

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Said Chawul Lam, has issued a nationwide ban on illegal road stops and extortion by traffic police officers, following persistent public complaints about officers unlawfully stopping vehicles and demanding money.

Speaking during the announcement on Tuesday, Gen. Chawul said the police leadership will no longer tolerate misconduct that undermines the safety and rights of citizens.

“We will not allow traffic police officers to take money from citizens,” he said. “Water tankers are not to be stopped because they provide a vital service to the public. When you stop them, it is the citizens who are negatively affected.”

The IGP stressed that water tankers must not be stopped under any circumstances, noting that their role in supplying essential water makes unnecessary delays harmful to communities.

Gen. Chawul also clarified procedures for the inspection of trucks transporting goods from Nimule and Nista, stating that these vehicles undergo full inspection only at the point of entry.

He said any further inspections within Juba must be limited and justified.

“Vehicles transporting goods from Nimule and Nista are inspected in Nimule and Nista,” he explained. “Upon reaching the bridge entrance, their paperwork is checked only. Stopping vehicles and trucks every 100 meters for inspection is not permitted.”

He warned that any officer found violating the directive will face strict disciplinary measures.

“If we receive any reports of such behaviour, we will not tolerate it and will hold those responsible accountable,” he noted. “Many of them have already been tried according to police law and are currently in prison.”

Gen. Chawul concluded by reminding officers that extortion and unauthorized stoppages are criminal offenses and unacceptable within the South Sudan Police Service.

“As the Inspector General of the South Sudan Police Force, I declare that traffic police officers are not permitted to take anything from citizens or stop them on the road without cause.”